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Ableton has joined the likes of Akai and Native Instruments by taking a version of its software completely standalone and packing it into a piece of hardware. The Push 3 takes Ableton Live standalone – DAW can now be used with or without a computer.

Ableton today introduced the latest version of their hardware instrument, the Push 3, which features expressive MPE pads, new connectivity and the ability to run Live standalone. A controller-only version has also been announced, with the option to upgrade it to support standalone usage at a later date.

The new Push 3 offers 64 MPE-capable pads that can detect finger pressure and placement across the X and Y axes for fine, per-note control. Which means that you can get far more expressive with your playing, adding the likes of bends and slides or applying effect or filter changes to just certain notes within a chord. In addition, you can trigger multiple articulations from a single pad.

The standalone version of Push 3 features many of familiar Ableton Live instruments and effects, and can also host your own Packs and sample libraries but, there’s no support for third-party plugins. WiFi connectivity means that you can transfer sets between Push 3 and Live wirelessly.

The controller version of Push 3 has a built-in audio interface and CV/gate connectivity for hooking up to Eurorack and other modular gear, and MIDI is also included.

The upgrade kit to convert a controller-only Push 3 to a standalone one and the good news is that the processor, hard drive and battery are replaceable, so hopefully you’ll be able to ensure that your hardware keeps pace with the latest technology.

The standalone Push is powered by a specially-adapted Intel NUC Computer Element, which combines a processor, RAM memory and WiFi in a credit-card-sized component.

Key Features:

• Expressiveness – Push’s 64 MPE-capable pads detect finger pressure and placement across X and Y axes for nuanced per-note control. Play bends and slides, filter or affect some notes within a chord, or play multiple articulations within one pad.
• Connectivity – Plug external instruments, synths and effects straight into Push’s built-in audio interface to record directly into your Push set or into Ableton Live. Plus, send gate and CV signals to your modular gear for a combined Eurorack/Push setup, or use your Push with class- compliant MIDI gear.
• Standalone playability – As a standalone instrument, Push is designed to sit at the heart of a laptop-free music setup. With a built-in battery and storage, you can make music without plugging in a single cable, using instruments and effects you know from Ableton Live, along with your own Packs and sample libraries. Connect to WiFi to transfer sets back and forth between Push and Live.
• Configurability – Push is available in two configurations to suit different needs and budgets. With a processor, Push functions as a standalone instrument. Without a processor, Push needs to be connected to a computer. If you buy your Push without a processor, you can add one yourself later using the Upgrade Kit. And you can replace the Push’s processor, hard drive and battery later, so you can keep up with the advance of technology.

Other Features:

• Runs Ableton Live 11 standalone
• Built-in battery
• Integrated audio interface features ADAT in/out
• Modular control with 4x CV Out
• Connect a second controller via USB-A for even more control
• WiFi connectivity
• Run Custom Max-for-Live Devices

Push 3 is available now with prices set at $1,999/€1,899 for the standalone model and $999/€949 for the controller version. Upgrade Kits will be available in late 2023, and will cost $1049 /€ 999. Find out more on the Ableton website.

A one-stop podcasting and streaming box that can run in multiple modes, Mackie’s DLZ Creator is an all-in-one podcast mixer that makes things easy for beginners but can also be configured for pros.

Mackie highlights the podcasting game with the DLZ Creator, an all-in-one mixer that is designed for recording and streaming your conversational content. It can be used either standalone or with a computer.

Designed for both new and more experienced users, the DLZ Creator includes a 10.1-inch touch display, four discrete XLR/TRS combo inputs and Onyx80 mic preamps with up to 80dB of gain. You can make multitrack recordings directly to SD card or a thumb drive, and the DLZ Creator can also function as a 14×4 USB-C audio interface.

Mackie is keen to stress that the DLZ is suitable for both beginners and more experienced creators. It offers three control modes (Easy, Enhanced and Pro) that can be used to make the display show everything from a simplified control set to an in-depth interface with a full range of options.

Other highlights include the Mix Agent setup assistant, which is designed to get you up and recording in no time, and AutoMix, which manages the levels for up to four mics. You can set up multiple headphone mixes, and it’s also possible to bring in further audio sources – an external caller, for example – with the additional inputs or via Bluetooth.

“We challenged ourselves in designing a product that would meet the needs of today’s modern creators, so any user – beginner or pro – can create on their own terms,” said Alex Nelson, CEO of Mackie. “The DLZ Creator accomplishes this with its robust feature set, easy set-up process, and modes that adapt to the needs or experience level of the user.”

The DLZ Creator is available now priced at $799.99. Find out more on the Mackie website.

Soundtoys has released SuperPlate, a new plugin that emulates the unique tonal character of five classic electromechanical plate reverbs, plus extra classic saturation and a few modern twists.

The company says that SuperPlate’s algorithms capture “a level of unmatched realism and versatility and create luscious, immersive effects”.

SuperPlate is built around meticulous models of the EMT 140, EMT 240, Audicon, EcoPlate III, and Stocktronics RX4000 plate reverb units. It also features three different flavors of analog coloration – Tube, Solid-State, and Clean. The Tube and Solid-State modes are modeled on the EMT V54 preamp for tube saturation and the EMT 162 preamp which has a built-in compressor to help tame transients.

SuperPlate also includes a range of modern digital features, including:

• Infinite decay time,
• Built-in pre-delay,
• Expanded modulation controls,
• Full-featured EQ for detailed tonal shaping, and
• A unique decay ducking option that adjusts decay time to avoid overlap or masking.

“We love the sound of real plate reverb and wanted to bring the distinctive sound of our vintage plate collection into the world of modern audio,” says CEO and lead designer Ken Bogdanowicz. “After analyzing and living with these devices for several years our team captured the true essence and variety of tones from the five different plate reverbs that we modeled for SuperPlate. We always try to take our effects beyond ‘simple emulations’ and with SuperPlate I feel like we found the perfect balance – switchable modeled preamp styles, built-in parametric EQ, and extended and dynamic decay time – to make SuperPlate a versatile go-to reverb effect. It sounds great and it’s fun and easy to use.”

SuperPlate with Vocals:

SuperPlate with Drums:

SuperPlate with Electric Piano:

SuperPlate is available individually, or as part of Soundtoys V5.4 bundle, which brings together 22 audio effects, with the following introductory pricing through June 14, 2023:

• SuperPlate is available individually for $79 (reg $149)
• Soundtoys 5, now including SuperPlate, is available for $499

Upgrade/crossgrade pricing is also available. Find out more on the Soundtoys website.